IDL_CIPRESSI Wastewater Treatment Plant, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany

IDL_CIPRESSI is a wastewater treatment plant located in Colle di Val d'Elsa, in the Tuscany region of Italy. The plant serves a population of about 17,246, placing it in the medium agglomeration category under EU classification. It is situated inland, approximately 50 km from the coast, and its operations are part of the regional water management infrastructure. As a plant serving a medium-sized agglomeration, IDL_CIPRESSI is subject to the EU Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC), which requires secondary treatment as a minimum standard. The directive also mandates more advanced treatment if the receiving waters are designated as sensitive areas. It is expected to comply with the regulatory framework for its scale. The treated effluent from IDL_CIPRESSI is discharged into local watercourses that ultimately drain into the Mediterranean Sea. The plant plays a key role in protecting the water quality of the surrounding watershed, which supports diverse aquatic life and contributes to the ecological health of the region. Its operation helps mitigate nutrient pollution and safeguard downstream environments.

The plant discharges into the local watershed, which flows through the Elsa River valley and eventually reaches the Mediterranean Sea via the Arno River system. This area supports diverse aquatic habitats and is important for regional biodiversity. The treatment plant helps reduce nutrient loads and pollutants, protecting downstream water quality and the ecological balance of the coastal marine environment.